Republican Party of India (Athawale) National Secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam has called for immediate action from the Union Government to avert the suspension of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) services in Manipur.
In a meeting with the party’s National President and Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, Thounaojam flagged the decision by private hospitals in the state to halt PMJAY services from August 16, 2025, citing pending bills and prolonged reimbursement delays.
Thounaojam warned that the suspension would have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities, many of whom depend on the scheme for free and cashless healthcare. “Hundreds of patients have already voiced their distress. At a time when Manipur is grappling with revenue decline, inflation, and disruptions to livelihoods, removing this safety net would be disastrous,” he said.
The RPI (Athawale) leader requested Athawale to advise the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to urgently intervene, resolve the payment impasse, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare access under PMJAY.
The development comes amid growing concern over the state’s healthcare capacity and the financial strain on both public and private medical institutions.
